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Shaggy Parasol (Chlorophyllum rhacodes)

Shaggy parasol mushroom Chlorophyllum rhacodes cap close up showing brown scales Shaggy parasol mushroom Chlorophyllum rhacodes growing on woodland floor among leaves Shaggy parasol mushroom Chlorophyllum rhacodes with scaly cap growing on forest floor

The Shaggy Parasol (Chlorophyllum rhacodes) is a large, attractive mushroom commonly found in gardens, woodland edges, compost heaps and disturbed ground throughout the UK. It closely resembles the true Parasol Mushroom (Macrolepiota procera), which is considered an excellent edible. Because of this similarity, it is frequently collected by mistake. Shaggy Parasols typically appear from late summer through autumn and often grow in groups or rings.

Although sometimes listed as edible in older field guides, the Shaggy Parasol is now known to cause gastrointestinal upset in many people. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps. Some individuals tolerate it, while others react badly, making it unreliable and risky as a food species. Due to variable reactions and the risk of confusion with other similar species, many modern foraging guides recommend avoiding it entirely.

Identification Features:

  • Large cap, often 10–20 cm wide
  • Cap colour cream to brown with shaggy, coarse scales
  • Cap starts rounded, flattening with age
  • Central area darker brown
  • Gills are free from the stem
  • Stem is thick and pale
  • Prominent ring on the stem (not always movable)
  • Stem lacks the strong “snakeskin” pattern seen on true Parasol
  • Flesh turns reddish or orange-brown when cut or bruised
  • Spore print iswhite
  • Grows in:
    • Gardens
    • Compost heaps
    • Woodland edges
  • Fruits late summer to autumn

Foraging Safety:

  • Can cause vomiting and stomach upset
  • Reactions vary between individuals
  • Frequently confused with:
  • Key safety differences:
    • Shaggy Parasol flesh stains reddish
    • True Parasol flesh does not stain
    • True Parasol has a distinct snakeskin-patterned stem
  • Avoid smaller parasol-like mushrooms
  • Some related Chlorophyllum species are also problematic
  • Cooking does NOT guarantee safety
  • Beginners should:
    • Only collect parasols with clear snakeskin stems
  • If symptoms occur after eating:
    • Seek medical advice
  • Best practice:
    • When unsure, leave parasol lookalikes alone

Identification video:

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